Glenburgie 14 Years Old 2004

A 14 year old Glenburgie from Cadenhead, distilled in 2004, at 53.2%, one of 270 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, a blending malt rarely seen on its own and largely the work of independents. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the apple softening towards a waxy honey. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit. The spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft beeswax.

Bottled at a cask strength 53.2%, it is concentrated. A delicate, soft malt with a waxy edge, lifted by a soft oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. It finishes light, fresh and faintly waxy. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.